Apple Pay Phishing Using Fake Apple Support Calls to Steal Payment Details
A phishing campaign targeting Apple Pay users is using realistic-looking emails to push victims into calling a fraudulent “Apple Support” phone number, shifting the attack from link-clicking to vishing (voice phishing). The lure commonly claims a high-value Apple Store charge was attempted or stopped, and includes plausible details (e.g., case ID, timestamp, and an “appointment” to review the activity) to create urgency and legitimacy.
Malwarebytes reported the operation’s objective is to extract login/verification codes and payment data during the phone interaction, enabling attackers to take over the victim’s Apple account and potentially access associated data and linked payment methods. Follow-on reporting highlighted the use of Apple branding and invoice-style formatting (including high-ticket purchase claims) to increase conversion, and emphasized the potential impact of account compromise beyond payment theft (e.g., access to stored personal data and connected services).
Timeline
Apr 19, 2026
Attackers abuse Apple account alerts to send authenticated callback phishing emails
Attackers were found inserting scam text and a phone number into Apple ID profile fields, then triggering an account shipping-information change so Apple sent a legitimate security notification containing the attacker-controlled content. The emails were delivered through Apple's own infrastructure and passed SPF, DKIM, and DMARC checks, making the callback phishing lure appear highly credible.
Apr 9, 2026
Apple warns iPhone users about expanding social engineering scam wave
Apple warned users in the US and Europe about a growing scam campaign using official-looking text messages about Apple Pay or account issues, followed by calls with fraudsters impersonating Apple support or investigators. The company said it would never ask users to share passwords or 2FA codes, approve unsolicited authentication prompts, or disable protections, and provided official reporting channels for scam messages and calls.
Feb 9, 2026
Malwarebytes reports and analyzes the Apple Pay vishing campaign
Malwarebytes analysts publicly documented the campaign, describing its use of fake Apple Support interactions and assessing that the attackers' goal was to steal login codes and payment details. The reporting also included defensive guidance such as not sharing 2FA codes, changing Apple ID passwords, and monitoring financial activity.
Feb 9, 2026
Attackers use vishing calls to steal Apple ID codes and payment data
During the phone calls, scammers posing as Apple fraud or billing agents attempted to collect personal details, Apple ID email addresses, two-factor authentication codes, and payment information. If successful, the operation could enable Apple account takeover and access to linked payment methods and account data.
Feb 9, 2026
Phishing campaign targets Apple Pay users with fake fraud alert emails
A social engineering campaign began targeting Apple Pay users with emails impersonating Apple and claiming a high-value charge had been stopped. The messages directed recipients to call a phone number instead of clicking a malicious link, creating urgency around supposed fraud.
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Today
Apple Account Smishing Campaign Uses Lookalike Domains in Korea
ESTsecurity’s Alyac blog warned of a smishing campaign using **Apple-themed text messages** that claimed an Apple ID had been accessed from another location or showed suspicious account activity. The messages were marked as international-origin texts and directed recipients to fraudulent lookalike domains including `ap****-kr.com` and `app****.cc`, attempting to lure victims into credential theft through fake Apple login pages. Alyac said the alerts were compiled from user-submitted reports through the AlyacM app as part of its weekly smishing roundup. In the same reporting period, the company also highlighted a separate lure impersonating **Danal**, threatening court appearance over alleged long-term unpaid debt and referencing a payment amount and bank account details, underscoring continued use of both financial-pressure and brand-impersonation tactics in Korean mobile phishing campaigns.
3 weeks ago